a night of firsts

Alternate title:  “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner”.  Please tell me you own or have at least SEEN this movie.  It’s wonderful!

For the past month or so, we’ve had Wizard of Oz rehearsal on Tuesday night.  Actually, we’ve had it MOST nights, except for Friday.  And the schedule is only going to get WORSE as the show draws near (November 3, 4, 5 & 6 – buy your tickets now).  Next week, we have four rehearsals, the following weeks, we go every single night from 7pm-9pm!

Last night was the exception.  Only Munchkin Land had to go, and since Travis and I can’t really pass for midgets, we had the night off.

A night of firsts.

The first night we’ve ever:

• Had my parents over for dinner (shocking, I know!)
• Cooked kabobs on the grill
• Baked a spaghetti squash (shocking, I know!)
• Made Jessica’s Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie

Let’s take them one at a time.

Had my parents over for dinner

If you know how close I am to my parents, you’d understand just how ODD this is!  But it really was the first time.  After Travis and I got married, we moved to Denver.  Lived there for 3 years, then moved to Chattanooga.  Lived there a year, then moved back to NC.  In the past three years that we’ve lived here (ONE MILE away from my parents), we haven’t had them over for dinner!?!?  No clue why!!

We needed my dad to look as some wiring for us – so I thought why not invite them over, fill their bellies, then ask for the free labor!

It’s the only flashlight we own.  It growls too….burglar protection.

I didn’t even feed them at our nice table.  It felt more “intimate” this way.  Yeah, that’s it.

Also notice that my dad’s plate was the “photo plate” and everybody else got paper plates.

Only the best for MY dinner guests!

Grilled kabobs

Since Travis got his new grill, we’ve grilled turkey spinach burgers (recipe coming) and chicken.  That’s it!

Tonight was the night for kabobs.  They were so easy – NY Strip and Organic Chicken marinated in beer and Worcestershire sauce, yellow and red peppers, mushrooms and pineapple.

Paired with spaghetti squash and an oriental veggie mix, this dinner was packed full of vegetables – something I’ve been trying to get more of!

Baked Microwaved a spaghetti squash

I know, I know – how is this the FIRST time I’ve made Spaghetti Squash!?!?  The answer – my parents never served it growing up.  Garden yellow squash was really the only type we ate – and we ate A LOT of it (mostly fried).

Easiest directions in the world!  Why can’t all food come with a direction sticker??

The label reads:  Cut squash in half lengthwise and remove seeds.

Place squash cut side down in baking dish with 1/2 cup of water.  Cover with plastic wrap and cook on high for 8-10 minutes.

Remove spaghetti-like strands with fork.

Spaghetti squash is wonderful – the texture just put it over the top for me!  And the fact that it’s something I can microwave and cook in 9 minutes means that you’ll be seeing more of it.  Any good s. squash recipes I need to know about???

Pumpkin C.C. Cookie Pie

I’m not even going to ruin this moment with my tainted words.  I WILL just say that you NEED this pie in your life and that Jessica is a genius!  I think my dad’s words were that he “wouldn’t throw it out of bed”.  Go get the recipe here!

After the floor was swept and the dishes washed, I breathed a sigh of relief.  Our bellies were full of good, healthy food.  We spent quality time with my parents.   Henry and Clara were lavished with love and attention.  I was reminded once again WHY we live in this small town and not in Denver.  Family really is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie comes in a close second.
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Q’s:  Any “FIRSTS” for you guys lately???  Was I the only one who’d never had spaghetti squash?
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You love me right?  Show your love by voting for my “better breakfast” on Janetha’s blog!  I’m #15!  Vote now!

Also, have you entered my giveaway??

Going to get ready for my Aqua Power class – teaching these older ladies is a hoot!

splendid…lindsay